Chopsticks and rice bring Chinese New Year fun for day nursery children

The pre-schoolers decorated the Ofsted-rated Outstanding day nursery in West Road on the Cranfield University site, with crafted lanterns and paintings featuring the Chinese symbol for Monkey, on Monday, February 8.

Cherry Trees manager, Emma Jestice, explained the popular annual event – which included ‘noodle and rice play for babies’ - provides more than just fun and excitement for the children. She said: “The celebrations provide so many opportunities to be imaginative and creative, and the learning opportunities are endless.”

Children, dressed in red, wielded chopsticks, broke open a treat-filled monkey piñata and listened to Chinese-themed stories and the customs associated with the New Year celebrations.

A sweet and sour traditional lunch was prepared by nursery cook, Hilary Grace, and for good luck each child was presented with a traditional red envelope containing a chocolate coin.

Emma added: “We particularly like this new Chinese Year of the Monkey which is all about developing ideas and being inventive and our children and staff team are experts at that. It promises to be an exciting time particularly as we are moving to a new home on the university site in late spring.”

Pictured are two-year-olds Eliza Hartley and Adam Webb celebrating the Chinese New Year.